We Can Overcome

Daily Gratitude Year 5-Day 287: Today, I am grateful we can overcome. 

Martin Luther King, Jr cried, "We shall overcome." Another powerful quote from his arsenal is speeches is this on regarding nonviolence: 

"Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

There comes a time in every life when we find ourselves shaken to the core of all that we know, trust or believe. MLK was a man of faith, who did his best to honorably battle the injustice of prejudice and inequality between all God's children. He longed not for his race to be superior to another, but for all men and women to see themselves at brothers and sisters. To have people judged by their character and not the color of their skin. 

He longed for a nation where character, choices, knowledge and willingness to work hard and learn would be enough to be offered the American dream. As fellow Americans... brothers and sisters in Jesus... and in this land of the free and the home of the brave... MLK believed. In his memory, the dream echoes. 

All of us have something to overcome. Feelings of unworthiness. Spirits broken by criticism. Ideas of ugliness placed on us by cultural and societal standards. So many have encountered abuse and neglect... in unexpected places. If most are truthful, we have had seasons we feel like the walking wounded and wonder how Christ can love us so sacrificially, when we are such a hot mess. 

Yet, He did and He does. Even before our first heartbeat, Christ died for us. As recent as our last sinful moment, he covered us. He came to smash the Enemy. 

"There is no bad habit, no weakness, no pride that Christ does not aim to overcome as the enemy of His honor. -John Piper

That is a thought provoking idea. 

Bad habits. We all have them.
Temptations. We all have weaknesses.
Pride. Prideful choices led Adam and Eve... and me... to sin. 
Christ came to empower us to "crush the serpent's head". 

Look what Paul wrote: 

"But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."-Romans 16:19-20

Obedience leads to Satan smashing. His presence in this world is real... and there is still evil, but we can overcome. James backs him up on this:

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. -James 4:7

When we humble ourselves before God, we are filled with His strength to face whatever the world holds. The devil can't stand it. He flees. We must simply and firmly remind the evil one that "Jesus is Lord." Lord of our lives and our hearts. No room in the in for him. 

Today, I am grateful we can overcome.